Pubdate: Sun, 04 Oct 2009
Source: Record Searchlight (Redding, CA)
Copyright: 2009 Record Searchlight
Contact:  http://www.redding.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/360
Author: John Montgomery

RPD SHOULD FOCUS ON THE STATE'S LAW

As an ex-law enforcement officer and former police chief, I read with
interest Redding Police Chief Peter Hansen's remarks in regards to the
letter he sent out to the dispensaries in Redding.

The voters of California passed this law regarding medical marijuana
for the benefit of those who can use this natural substance as opposed
to narcotics.

Whether Chief Hansen agrees with the law or not is irrelevant, as it
is his job to enforce the laws of the state of California and the city
of Redding. Federal law is not his concern.

And his reference to this being no different than advertising
campaigns local law enforcement runs for drunken driving? Need we
remind Chief Hansen that DUI laws are also state laws, not federal?

I suggest to Chief Hansen that his time and effort would be much
better spent keeping tabs on the sex offenders in the city, those who
abuse children, domestic abuse, traffic enforcement, and, oh yes, DUIs.

If Chief Hansen can't uphold California laws first and foremost, I
suggest that the city consider getting a new police chief as he is the
head law enforcement officer for the city and his opinions are best
kept to himself.

John Montgomery

Redding
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr